New Zealand rugby star Ruby Tui enthusiastically praises Ilona Maher as being solely beneficial for rugby.
Rugby Trailblazers: The Maher-Tui Rivalry
Ilona Maher, an American powerhouse in rugby, has captured the world's attention, and she's got a fellow athlete – New Zealander Ruby Tui – cheering her on. With a massive social media following and high-profile appearances, Maher has set the stage for a new era of rugby celebrities.
Tui, a two-time Olympic medalist and Women's Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand, has been keeping a close eye on her American counterpart. A little over a year ago, Maher was a little-known figure, but her performance at the Paris Olympics changed the game for her. She won bronze with Team USA and quickly became the most popular rugby player on the internet, landing spots on "Dancing With the Stars" and the cover of Sports Illustrated's "Swimsuit Edition."
Tui, who spent time in the United States playing in the Premier Rugby Sevens competition, isn't surprised by Maher's meteoric rise. She attributes it to the time and effort Maher invests in both her rugby and her personal brand. Tui tells CNN Sports' Amanda Davies, "I guess that's why I chose to have my sabbatical in the US. I was like, 'How do these guys know so much about just the entertainment world?' They're just world leaders at entertaining, and that's what sport is at the end of the day."
Maher and Tui could face off on the World Cup stage in England later this year. While Tui defends her champion status with New Zealand, Maher, who recently switched from seven to 15-a-side rugby, aims to make her mark on the World Cup stage as a first-timer with the US.
Both players have unique journeys to the top of international rugby. Maher's larger-than-life persona and online popularity have made her a household name, while Tui's hard-earned success and inspiring personal story have earned her the admiration of her teammates and fans.
Tui's father was an alcoholic, and her mother was in an abusive relationship. As a result, Tui found a home at a women's refuge. She's not afraid to speak about her difficult childhood and empathizes with others going through tough times. Tui is supporting a new campaign by Bupa and New Zealand Rugby – "Human After All: The Alternative Team Photo" – which aims to normalize health conversations worldwide.
Despite their differences, both Maher and Tui share a passion for rugby and a desire to inspire others. Their unique journeys and achievements have created a rivalry that promises to add excitement to the Women's Rugby World Cup. Tui says, "All I can say is, the journeys you get through and the mountains you climb transform into your purpose and your reason for giving back."
Enrichment Data:
Ilona Maher and Ruby Tui have achieved great success in women's rugby, each with their unique career highlights and impact.
Ilona Maher
- Career Highlights: Maher is a key player for the US women's rugby team. She won a bronze medal in Rugby 7s at the Paris Olympics and has gained international recognition through her social media presence and viral videos[1][2].
- Impact Beyond Rugby: Maher's public persona extends beyond her rugby career. She appears on popular shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and co-hosts a podcast called "House of Maher"[3].
- Professional Career: Maher played for Bristol Bears Women in England's Premiership Women's Rugby, increasing attendance and fan engagement[1].
Ruby Tui
- Career Highlights: Ruby Tui is a New Zealand rugby union player and a member of the Black Ferns Sevens team. While specific details about her recent career milestones are not provided, she is celebrated as a force in New Zealand rugby and has contributed to her team's success in international tournaments[Note: Specific details about Ruby Tui's recent career achievements are not featured in the provided search results].
In summary, both Ilona Maher and Ruby Tui have made significant contributions to women's rugby, yet Maher's impact extends beyond her rugby career, leveraging her social media presence and public appearances to drive fan engagement and visibility for the sport. Tui's focus is primarily on her on-field achievements.
- The popularity of Ilona Maher in rugby, bolstered by her social media presence and high-profile appearances, is probably responsible for normalizing the entertainment aspect of the sport, much like Maher found in the United States.
- With her inspiring personal story as a former resident of a women's refuge and her advocacy for normalizing health conversations, Ruby Tui's impact might extend beyond her rugby achievements, creating a more open and empathetic sporting community.
- The increasingly popular rivalry between Ilona Maher and Ruby Tui in rugby, with their unique journeys and exceptional achievements, is certain to normalize the growth of sport personalities and celebrities in the world of rugby.
